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Council postpones discussion of property development

East Lansing City Council members agreed to delay the approval of further development on a property at 500 Albert Avenue and 122 Division Street, which eventually could be constructed into a four-story, mixed-use building for commercial and residential use.

The property would contain 15 apartment units above ground level and about 2,000 square feet of commercial space in two phases on the first level, where 500 Albert stands.

The extension of 500 Albert and 122 Division would be 25 percent residential, with the remaining portion staying commercial.

Councilmember Ruth Beier proposed moving the issue to the zoning board for a review. Other councilmembers agreed.

“There is not enough analysis to make a decision tonight,” Beier said. “More time (is needed) to look at all the issues brought up tonight.”

Attorney Jack Davis said he is disappointed about way the project was handled by the planning commission and wanted to present legalities of the matter. He said the project follows all of the zoning requirements and that he does not see why council is making the project an issue.

The date of the zoning board review is undecided.

Councilmembers also approved to order the new construction and the repair of existing sidewalks at specific locations as part of the 2014 local street improvement projects.

City attorney Todd Sneathen said there is a need for the replacements of 88 ramps at intersections as well as the repair of broken sidewalks.

Council agreed that damaged sidewalks could cause harm to residents.

An ordinance that would amend zoning code to change the height of buildings near Biggby Coffee on Grand River Avenue also was passed.

Beier voted against it because she thought the lot was too small to build six stories on top of.